District 211 approves tentative 2025–26 budget, projects $8.3 million shortfall amid rising utilities and benefit costs

The Township High School District 211 Board of Education on Thursday approved a tentative 2025–26 budget that projects revenues of about 6.4% growth but an $8.3 million overall deficit, and directed the superintendent to place the budget on public display for 30 days before a final hearing in September. The board approved the tentative budget on a 4–1 roll call vote.

District finance staff presented details showing the educational fund expects roughly $272 million in revenue and $271 million in expenditures, with salaries and benefits accounting for more than 86% of educational‑fund spending. Controller/Treasurer Kathy Zalewski and presenter Miss Hummel attributed the all‑fund shortfall to delayed property‑tax receipts, uncollected TIF surplus payments carried from the prior year and higher health‑care claims.

Why it matters: Property‑tax revenue accounts for roughly 84% of District 211’s funding. Delays and one‑time shifts in tax distribution can create shortfalls that the district is managing using reserves while…